We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jenn Terrell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jenn below.

Jenn, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

Many people in the photography and social media industries advise against sharing political views or personal values, but for me, that’s one of the most meaningful ways I connect with my clients.

For example, I was one of the first wedding photographers in Arkansas to openly work with and promote LGBTQIA+ couples. I made sure that anyone visiting my website knew exactly where I stood. Did I lose potential clients because of this? Probably. But I firmly believe that when you’re photographing one of the most important days of a person’s life, sharing similar values makes a world of difference. You’ll be spending a lot of time together, and it can quickly become uncomfortable if there isn’t alignment.

Promoting my work with LGBTQIA+ couples for years now has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my career. I still receive inquiries from couples who tell me they reached out specifically because of my values. It’s incredibly heartwarming to connect with clients so deeply, right from the start.

As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community myself, it’s equally important for me to feel safe and supported while working. When I align with my clients, I’m in the best headspace to create my very best work. This mutual respect and shared values make all the difference—not just in the images, but in the entire experience.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a portrait and documentary photographer based in Little Rock, Arkansas. Growing up in Arkansas, I developed a deep appreciation for storytelling through photography. My work spans a wide range of subjects and individuals, from portrait sessions to documenting the raw and honest stories of sexual assault survivors.

Artist Statement
Photography has the power to create connections and bring people together. My goal is to use that power to reveal the deeply human side of the oppressed. Through my work, I strive to evoke empathy, enabling viewers to feel the tears of trauma, the scars of abuse, and the universal pain that unites us all.

About My Work
My creative work encompasses three distinct areas:

1. Photography
Photography is my passion and primary focus. I offer a diverse array of services, including weddings, family portraits, headshots, concerts, food photography, and more. My journey with photography began at age 19 when I discovered a $25 film camera at a thrift store. I started photographing everyone around me and loved it!

After honing my skills through practice and self-education—primarily via YouTube—I purchased my first DSLR, a Canon T2i, and booked my first paid photoshoot a year later. Since then, I’ve captured countless unforgettable experiences, from Laverne Cox inspiring an audience at an Arkansas university to a Death Cab for Cutie concert, and several stunning weddings.

I also have a portfolio of personal work that includes projects on healing from sexual assault, the grieving process, and dealing with depression.

2. Social Media Management
Two years ago, I expanded my business to include social media services for local restaurants. This has been a rewarding addition, allowing me to integrate photoshoots into client packages and work with several treasured restaurants in my area. Offering these services has not only diversified my income but also allowed me to cut back on weekend work, giving me more time to spend with loved ones.

3. Freelance Writing and Editing
In addition to photography and social media management, I freelance for a magazine company, where I contribute writing, editing, and occasional photography.

Philosophy on Work and Life
As a freelancer and small business owner, diversifying my income streams has been key to maintaining stability and peace of mind. It allows me to weather the natural ebb and flow of bookings across seasons without undue stress. Over the years, this approach has enabled steady growth and greater balance in my personal and professional life. It also gives me the choice to cut back in one area if I need to while still having the freedom of choosing my own schedule and lifestyle.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience is absolutely essential in being a wedding photographer. We book weddings so far in advance that there’s no way to predict what life will throw at us between booking and the big day.

Last year, I faced one of the toughest moments of my life. My mom passed away just a week before I was scheduled to photograph a wedding. I wrestled with whether to hire an associate photographer to step in for me. The couple had been so thrilled to book me a year earlier, and I knew they would have understood, but I didn’t want to add any stress to their special day. Ultimately, I decided to honor my commitment, and it turned out to be a welcome distraction. That experience changed me as a photographer. I made sure both brides had extra photos with their parents that day, and ever since, I’ve gone out of my way to capture extra portraits of my couples with their parents – making sure they get individual photos with their parents as well. It’s become a small but important part of how I approach every wedding.

Another defining moment came early in my career, when I was trying to break into the wedding industry. At the time, I had just gone through a heartbreaking experience of my own—I’d recently ended my engagement. Just days later, I received an inquiry for my first full wedding (I’d only photographed elopements up to that point). I was ecstatic! But when I checked the date, my heart sank. The couple’s wedding was set for the same day I was supposed to have been married.

I could have said no, but I knew this was an important step in building the career I dreamed of. So, I took the booking and poured every ounce of my emotional energy into giving that couple the wedding day I had once imagined for myself. It was a truly beautiful day, and I left feeling grateful to have been part of their joy.

Both of these experiences taught me that resilience isn’t just about surviving hard times—it’s about finding purpose and meaning through them. And for me, that purpose is always to help my couples celebrate their love in the most beautiful way possible.

Have you ever had to pivot?

The pandemic forced many of us to pivot, but I was genuinely scared for the future of my business. At the time, I wasn’t doing social media management yet—I was fully immersed in my work as a wedding photographer. Living in Miami Beach, I regularly flew back to Arkansas for weddings and portrait sessions every few months.

When the pandemic hit, weddings were being canceled or postponed, and air travel no longer felt like a viable option. Six months into the pandemic, I made the decision to move back to Arkansas to continue photographing the weddings that were still taking place in an attempt to not lose so much income.

Looking back, that move turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Staying in Arkansas allowed me to rebuild and grow my business, and it has continued to grow year after year.

Contact Info:

• Website: Art – jennterrellart.com Weddings – jennterrell.com Social Media – www.junecreativelr.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jennterrellphotography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennTerrellPhotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennterrell/

Image Credits

Jenn Terrell of Jenn Terrell Photography